As the college football postseason ramps up, distractions are everywhere - bowl games, playoff prep, and of course, the holidays. For the Oregon Ducks, those distractions come with an extra layer of complexity: both of their coordinators are on their way out after the season, and the transition is already starting to take shape.
Offensive coordinator Will Stein has accepted the head coaching job at Kentucky, and while he’s committed to staying with Oregon through its College Football Playoff run, the reality is he’s already wearing two hats. It’s a balancing act - prepping for a playoff push while simultaneously building his new staff in Lexington.
And Stein’s not wasting any time. On Monday, former Oregon standout Tony Washington Jr. was announced as Kentucky’s new defensive ends and outside linebackers coach. Washington is a familiar name in Eugene - not just as a former player, but as a former staffer who’s worked his way up the coaching ranks at several major programs, most recently as a defensive line assistant at Ohio State.
Washington’s coaching journey has taken him through some of college football’s top-tier programs, giving him a front-row seat to elite defensive schemes and player development. His return to work alongside Stein - this time in the SEC - signals that the new Kentucky head coach is serious about surrounding himself with experienced, high-upside talent.
As for Stein’s time at Oregon, it’s hard to overstate the impact he’s made. He stepped into a high-pressure role and quickly molded a young, unproven group of skill players into one of the most dynamic offenses in the country. His ability to develop talent and scheme at a high level made him a rising star - and Kentucky took notice.
Yes, it’s going to sting when he officially departs after the playoff run. Losing a coordinator of Stein’s caliber always leaves a mark.
But inside the Oregon program, there’s a sense of pride, too. Pride in what he accomplished, and pride in seeing one of their own take the next step.
For now, Stein’s focus is still on the Ducks and the task at hand - making a deep playoff run. But make no mistake: the next chapter has already begun.